Today, the Chief Planner and the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning have written two letters to stakeholders about work to maintain a functioning planning system during these difficult times. More information and links are below.

Planning procedures and COVID-19

This letter updates on recent actions to keep the planning system moving, some outstanding issues and some next steps towards planning working to support recovery. The letter also advises of an updated approach and timetable for NPF4. Read the letter here.

COVID-19 and development planning

It is important that the development planning process continues to function during this period to support future economic and societal recovery. The current situation has consequences for how development plans are progressed and in particular how planning authorities consult and engage with stakeholders. This advice note explains more about Ministers expectations. Read the letter here.

Digital engagement

Engaging with the public is a vital element throughout our planning system, and current restrictions make traditional ways of doing this more difficult. We have explored approaches towards digital engagement with local authority colleagues and others, drawing on their experiences, and have published some digital engagement examples. You can view these here.

Regulations on Changing Places Toilets

New requirements to include Changing Places Toilets in planning applications for large public buildings are now in force. Regulations were laid in the Scottish Parliament at the beginning of March to amend the requirements in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, to bring them more into line with Building Standards guidance.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/planning-circular-1-2020-changing-places-toilets-regulations/ The amended requirements apply to planning applications made on or after 18 May 2020.

How to keep up to date

Follow Scottish Government Planning and Architecture Division